Derby Center is a recreation destination near Vermont’s Canadian border
Derby Center is a village in northern Vermont that draws folks interested in its year-round outdoorsy lifestyle. “It’s a four-season destination,” says Ryan Pronto, the principal broker and owner of Jim Campbell Realty, which has operated in the area for almost half a century. “If you’re into skiing, boating, and recreation, this is the spot.” Close to Lake Memphremagog, a 30-mile-long waterway that crosses into Canada, ski resorts and hiking trails, the area brings together year-round residents and owners of second homes. While the village is small, with fewer than 1000 residents, people can access necessities in nearby Newport City, or larger communities across the border in Canada.
Derby Center residents can travel ten minutes to Lake Memphramagog for swimming, boating and fishing.
Derby Center residents are 4 miles from the Canadian border and 1.5 hours from Montréal.
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Varied styles, wide lawns and rural character in small but fast-moving market
The few recent single-family home listings in the village cost about $450,000, and the median single-family home price here is about $315,000, lower than the national median. The market moves quickly, with an average listing length of only nine days. Ranch-style designs, plus the occasional Cape Cod or Dutch Colonial, line Palin Farm Road and Morin Drive amidst pockets of woods and tall trees. Farmhouses sit amongst fields of crops off Wallace Road, and stately midcentury modern and Colonial Revival homes can be found along Vermont Route 105, the village’s main drag. Given the area's rural character, some homes sit on large parcels of land, and even smaller properties have wide, green lawns. Sidewalks are rare, and streets are a mix of rugged dirt roads and narrow paved ones. Condos and townhomes, such as units on Kingsbury Circle, can cost between $200,000 and $255,000.
A ranch-style home in Derby Center has a durable galvanized steel roof to withstand the winter.
The average home price in Derby Center typically ranges between $180,000 and $250,000.
A Dutch colonial style home in Derby Center is distinguished by its gambrel roof and classic symmetry.
A colonial revival style home in Derby Center has green clapboard siding and a large front porch.
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Lakes, rivers, ski resorts and trails make for four seasons of outdoor recreation
Lake and river access is a major draw here for everything from summer canoeing and fishing to winter swimming. Residents can explore Lake Salem and Lake Derby, or the eastern shore of Lake Memphremagog. “The Clyde River runs through Derby,” Pronto says. “Clyde River fishing is big. And the Northern Forest Canoe Trail connects a bunch of lakes. It runs right through Derby Center.” Those who prefer quiet on the water are in luck. “It’s mostly canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, maybe pontoon boats and small motorboats,” Pronto says. Wakeboats are allowed on Lake Salem, but not on the other area lakes. Jay Peak and Burke Mountain are two ski resorts within 40 miles of Derby Center. The Long Trail starts north of Jay, near the Canadian border, and runs down the length of the Green Mountains before connecting to the Appalachian Trail. “You could go all the way to Florida that way,” Pronto says.
The Clyde River funs through Derby Center and provides fishing throughout.
People canoe on the peaceful waters of Lake Derby in Derby Center.
Burke Mountain, 20 minutes from Derby Center, is a prominent ski and outdoor recreation area.
The Long Trail winds through Jay Mountain on a foggy morning, 35 minutes from Derby Center.
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Local burger and steak joints, plus more choices in Newport City and Canada
The village has a handful of restaurants, such as Vermont Pie & Pasta Company and Derby Cow Palace, a steakhouse that also serves elk burgers. Tin Shed Grill is another renowned burger joint. For additional dining options, residents can head to Newport City, or even up into the larger communities in Canada like Magog or Sherbrooke. “People go back and forth all the time,” Pronto says. Shaw’s Grocery and Walmart are both along U.S. Route 5 between Derby Center and Newport City.
Cow Palace in Derby Center is a local landmark know for its wild game menu and rustic atmosphere.
Grill n’ Shed is a casual roadside eatery in Derby Center known for its burgers and comfort food.
The Vermont Pie and Pasta Company in Derby Center serves house-made pastas and high quality local beef.
Grocery shopping in Derby Center is made easy with a local Shaw’s supermarket.
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July 4th celebrations and Kingdom Games events throughout the year
Derby Center is small enough that there aren’t too many events, but there are a handful of annual traditions in and around the village. “The July 4th parade and activities are a county-wide draw,” Pronto says. “It’s the go-to spot for the area.” In nearby Newport City, the Kingdom Games host athletic events that bring people from all corners of the globe, including a winter swim in a pool cut out of frozen Lake Memphremagog. “They cut the lake open in the winter,” Pronto says. “People also swim the lake’s 30-mile length to Magog in Canada in the summer.”
Many educational pathways at North Country Union High
Derby Elementary School earns a D-plus from Niche. North Country Union Junior High scores a C-plus, and North Country Union High School scores a C-minus. North Country Union High provides the region’s students with various programming, including the North Country Career Center, with training in fields from building to cosmetology, a STEM Academy, an Arts & Communication Academy and dual enrollment for college credit. The high school is located in Newport City, about 5 miles west of Derby Center.
Derby Elementary School in Derby, VT serves students in Pre-K through 6th grade.
North Country Union High School in Newport, VT serves students in grades 9 through 12.
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U.S. Route 5 and I-91 connect to Burlington and beyond
U.S. Route 5 doubles as Main Street in Derby Center, connecting the village to Newport City and surrounding communities. Interstate 91 runs along the village’s western edge. “I-91 splits Derby and Newport,” Pronto says. Burlington is 90 miles southwest. Nearby Canadian cities are Magog, about 28 miles north, and Sherbrooke, about 40 miles north. “Sometimes people go back and forth once or twice a week,” Pronto says. North Country Hospital is 4 miles away in Newport City. Northeast Kingdom International Airport is about 9 miles southwest.
Written By
Ty Phelps
Photography Contributed By
Matt Barrett
Video By
Emily McNamara
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Historic home with stunning lake views! This exceptional home has been fully renovated with modern updates while maintaining the original character. The main floor offers a grand foyer with circular stairway. The hardwood floors extend into the formal living and dining areas. The kitchen will delight with granite counter tops and a spacious island. The home is situated on three acres with a
Endless possibilities! That is how to best describe this 95 acre lot in Derby! Enjoy life in the country, with the convenience of local amenities nearby! This land offers the versatility of agriculture, hunting, homesteading, outdoor recreation and even logging some of the timber! Plenty of space for gardens, and enough forest to cut your own firewood. Most local roads also currently open to ATVs.
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